Local folk urged to give blood
WEST Norfolk people are being urged to give blood now as stocks in the county have dropped to just four days supply.
The serious shortfall – one of the worst in years – has been blamed on the traditional dip at this time of year, mainly due to holidays, colds and flu, and the current winter vomiting disease, or norovirus, outbreak.
In a plea to potential donors, Gareth Bell, communications officer for the National Blood Service in Norfolk, stressed: "The NBS is continuing to meet all hospital requirements for blood – but this will only continue to be possible with your support.
"This year stocks are lower than might normally be expected and we don't want to see them fall any lower. As well as traditional illnesses, the current winter vomiting norovirus has reduced the pool of donors we are able to call upon at this time.
"There is no better time to roll up your sleeves and start giving blood.
"All it takes is one hour of your time and you might even help save a life."
Norfolk needs 35,000 people to attend donor sessions this year to keep the county's blood banks well stocked, but only four per cent of people who could give blood actually do so.
Mr Bell said: "We like to maintain stocks at six to seven days supply to ensure blood reaches hospitals in tip top condition and to be sure there's enough to cover every eventuality.
"We need to make sure our sessions are very well attended in the next few weeks to see stocks generally rise and to be nearer that comfort blanket."
Two sessions are being held in the Lynn area this month – at the Kings Centre in Wellesley Street on Monday and at Gaywood Church Rooms in Gayton Road, on Tuesday, January 22, both from 1pm to 3.30pm and 5pm to 7pm.
There is also a session at Downham Town Hall on Monday, January 28, from 1pm to 3.30pm and from 4.30pm to 7pm.
In most cases, anyone aged 17 to 59, who is generally fit and healthy and weighing more than 7st 12lbs (50kgs) can give blood.
To find out more about giving blood, log on to www.blood.co.uk where you can also find out about registering online.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
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